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getthefacts4a

(4 posts)
10. simple
Sun Dec 30, 2012, 12:11 PM
Dec 2012

This is simple --- technology is developed and people apply for patents and most dont have issued a patent some patent applications turn into issued patents>Patents are legitimate ways to encourage people to invest in developing new technologies and then giving them limited protection for set period of time. GM traits and certain bred inbreds and varieties can be covered by patents. when the farmers buy the seed they decide to buy and sign a legal contract to not reuse the seed unless they pay a fee. 99% or ore of farmers do this and stick to the agreement a small percentage don't. When people pay taxes its unfair that some don't. The taxes pay for things ---patent license fees pay for continued investments. If farmers dont want the GM trait they dont buy. There is noone who has been sued by Monsanto who had accidental GM seed ! There are only a few farmers as a % who get sued and they lose every time because they stole the trait and kept spraying their field with the herbicide that made sure their seed was 100% GM. For 100 years farmers growing corn have not planted back because the hybrid seed produces seed that doesnt do well the net year. Even farmers buying soybeans that could be technically planted back often buy fresh seed because it is so much better than the seed they make its cost effective to pay for seed again.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Editorials & Other Articles»Seed Saving: Monsanto’s A...»Reply #10